1 Cash - Chongzhen Tongbao; southern type; with Zhong Qing ND
| Brass | - | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Ming dynasty › Chongzhen (崇祯帝) (1627-1644) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1630-1644 |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Brass |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#222955 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
One Chinese ideogram above and one below.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering:
清
忠
Translation:
Qing Zhong
Pure loyalty
Edge
Plain
Comment
Hartill suggests the larger, heavier coins (around 26 millimetres and weighing 1.3 Qian) were the first 1 Cash pieces produced. By 1630, coins minted in the north weighted 1.0 Qian and coins minted in the south weighed 8 Fen or less.The Northern types and the Southern types are differenciated by the left part of Zhen.
- Northern types: 礻
- Southern types: 示
Interesting fact
The Chongzhen Tongbao coin was the first coinage issued by the Ming dynasty, which was established in 1630. The coin features the inscription "Zhong Qing" (meaning "loyal and pure") on the reverse side, which was a unique feature of the southern type of the coin. This inscription was added to the coinage to indicate the loyalty and purity of the coin's metal content. It's interesting to note that the Chongzhen Tongbao coin was made of brass, which was a common metal used for coinage during that time period. However, the use of brass for coinage was eventually phased out in favor of other metals, such as silver and gold. Today, the Chongzhen Tongbao coin is considered a rare and valuable collector's item, and its historical significance makes it an interesting piece of Chinese numismatic history.